Para-cyclist training for Masters Games

Do not use the words ‘‘disability’’ or ’’inspirational’’ around Brendon Stratton.

A freak car accident about 25 years ago may have left him unable to walk, but he does not let that define his life.

The 43-year-old runs his own businesses, competes in sporting events, and does the housework - all from the seat of his wheelchair.

‘‘I’m just living my life like everybody else,’’ Stratton says.

‘‘I hate the word disability, it’s like you’re saying you’re less able than someone else, but I’m not less able, I find different ways to do stuff.’’

Stratton, who lives in Greenhithe, would instead like to be known for taking on all the opportunities available to him.

‘‘You can either choose to be the victim in life or you can choose to get on with it.

‘‘A lot of it comes down to your attitude. You either choose to accept it or move on and deal with it.’’

Stratton is competing in the 2017 World Masters Games in April in the para-cycling events.

‘‘When a big international event is on your doorstep, why wouldn’t you?’’ he says.

Before his accident, he was a competitive BMX rider, and, after years of playing wheelchair bas- ketball, decided to take up cycling again about four years ago.

He has been riding competitively since then, racing in New Zealand and international events.

‘‘I’ve always been active,’’ he says.

‘‘I’m not one of those people who sits around doing nothing. Cycling is great, it gives me a real sense of freedom being out on the road.’’

The World Masters Games is being held in Auckland and the Waikato from April 21 to 30 next year and is expected attract about 25,000 competitors across 28 sports.

Stratton trains for about 20 hours a week, fitting in 120 to 130 kilometre rides, often on weekend mornings, which will ramp up in the lead-up to April.

He admits riding for hours in the rain may be the last thing he wants to do, but he has to suck it up, saddle up and hit the road.

‘‘You have to be really focused and dedicated to do it, you need a lot of spare time to commit to it,’’ he says.

‘‘You have to become quite selfish leading up to the event, your focus becomes the event. Your friends take a back seat and your social life takes a back seat.’’